An experienced higher education visionary and results-driven senior executive and transformational leader with an extensive background in institutional strategy, accreditation and building and executing best practice sustainable models.
HAYWARD, Calif. — October 1, 2026 — The Board of Regents of Life Chiropractic College West (Life West) today announced the appointment of Dr. Marilyn Al-Hassan as Interim President, effective immediately.
Dr. Al-Hassan is a veteran higher education executive who has served in several senior leadership positions at Life West, including Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer and recently Chief Academic Officer, providing leadership across institutional strategy, academic and operational initiatives, accreditation, and long-term planning.
“Dr. Al-Hassan brings exactly the combination of experience, institutional knowledge and steady leadership that Life West needs at this important time,” said Dr. Jimmy Nanda, Chair of the Life West Board of Regents. “She knows our students, faculty and staff, brings experience leading institutions through periods of transition and change, understands the accreditation environment, and has a strong record of strategic, academic and administrative leadership grounded in integrity.” Dr. Nanda noted that the Board voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Al-Hassan.
She knows our students, faculty and staff, brings experience leading institutions through periods of transition and change, understands the accreditation environment, and has a strong record of strategic, academic and administrative leadership grounded in integrity.
Dr. Al-Hassan succeeds Dr. Peter Kevorkian, who is no longer with the College. Dr. Nanda noted that Life West thanks Dr. Kevorkian for his service and wishes him well.
Dr. Al-Hassan has more than two decades of experience in higher education. Before joining Life West, she held leadership positions at the University of La Verne, Argosy University and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Her career has included serving as a campus president in Southern California and in senior academic and executive leadership roles, where she has built and expanded academic programs, developed multi-campus initiatives, strengthened student success and retention strategies, and led operational improvement efforts. She has also served as a Higher Learning Commission accreditation committee chair.
At Life West, Dr. Al-Hassan has played a significant role in institutional strategy, including spearheading the strategic planning and execution of the College’s first Additional Educational Site (AES) in Bellevue, Nebraska, ensuring alignment with accreditation standards, institutional mission and operational readiness. She has also led the development and implementation of institutional processes and frameworks designed to strengthen accountability, data-informed decision-making and operational effectiveness.
“Throughout my career, I have believed that legacy institutions are built on strong leadership, data-driven strategy, collaboration and integrity. They also require a willingness to turn initiatives into action with clear intention and focused, measurable outcomes. The best interests of our College and students must always remain the priority,” said Dr. Al-Hassan. “We have important work ahead of us, and I look forward to working with our faculty, staff, students, alumni and partners to strengthen Life West and build on the many things we do well.”
Throughout my career, I have believed that legacy institutions are built on strong leadership, data-driven strategy, collaboration and integrity. They also require a willingness to turn initiatives into action with clear intention and focused, measurable outcomes.
Dr. Al-Hassan said her immediate priorities will include continuing support of students, faculty and staff; working closely and constructively with the College’s accrediting partners; strengthening institutional operations; strengthening partnerships with external stakeholders and the broader community; and maintaining clear communication and meaningful transparency with the Life West community.
About Life Chiropractic College West
Life Chiropractic College West prepares students to become Doctors of Chiropractic through a clinically inspired education grounded in science, philosophy, technique, and service. Life West offers its Doctor of Chiropractic program in Hayward, California, with an additional educational site in Bellevue, Nebraska. The College’s educational approach emphasizes hands-on learning and the development of confident, practice-ready chiropractors.
Media Contact:
Larry Kamer
The Kamer Group, Inc.
lkamer@kamergroup.com
415-290-7240
